IND vs NZ 1st ODI Highlights: Kohli's 93, Rahul's Finish Seal Thrilling India Win

Well, cricket fans, grab a cup of chai and sit down, because the first ODI between India and New Zealand in Vadodara was an absolute roller coaster! Played on January 11, 2026, this match had everything: big hits, crucial wickets, a middle-order wobble, and an ice-cool finish that kept us guessing until the 49th over. India ultimately chased down a challenging target of 301 to go 1-0 up in the three-match series, but boy, did the Kiwis make them work for it! 

New Zealand's Innings: A Platform Well-Laid

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, New Zealand's openers Devon Conway (56) and Henry Nicholls (62) laid a fantastic foundation with a 117-run partnership for the first wicket. They were cautious yet effective, putting pressure on the Indian bowlers from the start. 

The Indian pacers, especially Mohammed Siraj and Harshit Rana, kept plugging away and eventually got the breakthroughs. Rana was impressive on his home ground, snaring two key wickets, including that of Conway. However, the real resistance came from middle-order batsman Daryl Mitchell, who played a superb counter-attacking knock of 84 runs off just 71 balls, including five fours and three sixes. He guided the lower order, ensuring the Blackcaps reached a competitive total of 300 for 8 in their allotted 50 overs. 

The Indian bowlers shared the spoils, with Siraj, Rana, and Prasidh Krishna taking two wickets each, while veteran spinner Kuldeep Yadav chipped in with one. It was a decent total on a pitch that offered something for both batsmen and bowlers. 

India's Chase: The Kohli Masterclass and Jamieson's Twist

Chasing 301 under lights, India needed a strong start, and they got one. Captain Shubman Gill (56) and Virat Kohli put on an excellent 118-run partnership for the second wicket after Rohit Sharma fell early. 

Kohli, as he often does in chases, looked like a man on a mission. He was fluent, timing the ball beautifully and making the chase look like a walk in the park. Hitting eight fours and a six, he powered his way to 93 runs off 91 balls, just missing out on yet another century. 

Then came the drama. New Zealand pacer Kyle Jamieson, who was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 4 for 41, struck thrice in quick succession, removing Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and Shreyas Iyer (49) within a few overs. Suddenly, India went from a comfortable position to needing 59 runs off 53 balls with only five wickets in hand. The tension in the stadium was palpable! 

The Calmness of Rahul Seals the Deal

With the pressure mounting, the cool-headed KL Rahul stepped up. He was joined by a very useful cameo from paceman Harshit Rana, who scored a vital 29 runs off just 23 balls and built a crucial partnership with Rahul. 

Rana's aggressive batting eased the pressure, and after he was dismissed, Rahul took charge. With Washington Sundar at the other end, Rahul finished the match in style, hitting a four and a six off debutant Kristian Clarke in the penultimate over to seal the win by four wickets with six balls remaining. 

It was a fantastic team effort, but the day belonged to Kohli for his batting brilliance and Rahul for his composure under pressure. Virat Kohli was named the Player of the Match for his fantastic innings. 

This victory gives India a 1-0 lead, and we can all expect another cracker of a match in Rajkot on January 14!